Intraocular lens storage cart and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatuses, and methods include an intraocular lens (IOL) cart that may assist with inventory management and may help users identify an IOL for use in a particular surgical application. The IOL cart may include sensors and indicators that provide information to a user and may update IOL inventory automatically whenever the IOL cart is accessed by a user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to a storage consignment cart for surgicalapplications. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to anintraocular lens consignment cart for surgical applications.

BACKGROUND

Cataract surgery involves removal of the natural lens of the eye andreplacing it with an artificial lens commonly referred to as anintraocular lens (IOL). IOLs come in a variety of types, and each isdesigned to provide a particular corrective power to a user. As a partof creating a surgical plan, a healthcare provider may identify aparticular IOL for a patient based on a pre-surgical evaluation.However, an intraoperative evaluation performed during the course of acataract surgery may result in a modification of the surgical plan toaddress discrepancies that were not known when the surgical plan wascreated. An example of modifying the surgical plan occurs when a surgeonperforms an intraoperative evaluation and determines that a differentIOL may be better suited for the patient than the IOL selected duringpre-surgical planning While such intraoperative evaluations providebenefits including a better patient outcome, such intraoperative changesin plan can create confusion and inefficiency in the operating room. Forexample, when a new IOL is required in order to complete a surgicalprocedure, this staff must locate, acquire, and prepare the newlyrequested IOL for implantation. Furthermore, if the newly indicated IOLis not available in consignment, then the closest lens to the indicatedIOL or a competitive product needs to be identified.

In order to reduce inefficiency and confusion during an IOL surgery,surgical staff may sometimes provide a large stack of differentpotential lenses based on the pre-surgical plan. Surgical staff mustallocate the time and resources to manage the lens inventory andtransport any newly identified lenses to the operating room theater forimplantation.

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method forsimplifying access to IOLs during intraoperative evaluations.

SUMMARY

In some exemplary aspects, the present disclosure is directed to anintraocular lens (IOL) cart that may include a base housing configuredto receive a plurality of IOL packages. The base housing beingconfigured to detect the presence of individual IOL packages. The IOLcart may also include a computer unit associated with the base housingand configured to receive and store information from the base housingindicative of the presence of individual IOL packages disposed withinthe base housing. The computer unit may be configured to provideinformation relating to one or more of the individual IOL packages to auser.

In some aspects, the IOL cart may include one or more sensors configuredto detect information relating to individual IOL packages. In someaspects, the one or more sensors may include one of a visual detectionmethod, a barcode scanner, and an RFID scanner. The one or more sensorsmay be disposed in a position to scan IOL packages as they areintroduced to the base housing. In an aspect, the IOL cart may include amovable shelf arranged to carry the plurality of IOL packages, the oneor more sensors being positioned above the shelf to detect the IOLpackages while the shelf is being closed. In some aspects, the IOL cartmay include a plurality of visual indicators actuatable by the computerunit to identify a selected IOL package in the base housing. In anaspect, the base housing may include a shelf divided into rows sized andarranged to receive individual IOL packages. The shelf may include aplurality of separators that divide the shelf into the rows, with eachseparator having one or more visual indicators usable to identify an IOLpackage disposed thereon. The visual indicators may be LED lights. Insome aspects, the computer unit includes an inventory databaseconfigured to store IOL power information and location informationwithin the base housing for each individual IOL package.

In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an IOLpackage inventory system that includes a plurality of sensors and acomputer unit. The plurality of sensors may be configured to readinformation relating to a product in a product package and detect itsstorage location. The computer unit may be in communication with theplurality of sensors, and may be configured to store informationrelating to each product and its location in a database. The computerunit may be arranged to identify a specific product package in responseto an input identifying desired parameters of the product.

In an aspect, the product is an intraocular lens, and wherein theproduct package is an intraocular lens package. In an aspect, theinventory system may include an IOL cart having a plurality of storagelocations for individual IOL product packages. The plurality of sensorsmay be disposed on the IOL cart to detect the storage location of an IOLproduct package in the IOL cart. The computer unit may be configured toreceive input from a user to reserve a specific product package. Theplurality of sensors may include visual scanners, RFID sensors, and/orbarcode scanners. The computer unit may be configured to send anactuating signal to an indicator adjacent a storage location for adesired product package.

In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a methodof tracking inventory that includes storing information relating to anIOL and the location of the IOL package in an IOL cart. A request may bereceived from a user relating to a desired IOL. The method may includecomparing the stored information to the received request to identify anIOL in the inventory most closely matching the desired IOL. The methodmay also include actuating a visual indicator adjacent the identifiedIOL.

In an aspect, the method of tracking inventory may include receiving asignal from a sensor identifying a specific IOL package in an IOL cart.In an aspect, the method of tracking inventory may include sensing IOLpackages present on a shelf while the shelf is being closed. In anaspect, the method of tracking inventory may include updating aninventory database with information relating to the sensed IOL packages.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following drawings and detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding ofthe present disclosure without limiting the scope of the presentdisclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantagesof the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the artfrom the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein and together with the description,serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary surgical suite of instrumentsaccording to an exemplary aspect.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary cart of the surgical suite ofinstruments according to an exemplary aspect.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary block diagram of a portion ofthe surgical suite of instruments according to an exemplary aspect.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an example method of tracking inventorywith the cart of the surgical suite according to an exemplary aspect.

These figures will be better understood by reference to the followingDetailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementationsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation ofthe scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and anyfurther application of the principles of the present disclosure arefully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the disclosure relates. In addition, this disclosure describessome elements or features in detail with respect to one or moreimplementations or Figures, when those same elements or features appearin subsequent Figures, without such a high level of detail. It is fullycontemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described withrespect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined withthe features, components, and/or steps described with respect to otherimplementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, insome instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical systems thatinclude an IOL cart that may contain a plurality of different types andsizes of IOLs for use during surgical procedures. The IOL cart providesa central storage location for the variety of IOLs, coupled withintelligence for IOL identification and inventory management. Theintelligence on the IOL cart provides up-to-date inventory informationbased on data that is updated whenever the IOL cart is accessed. Assuch, the inventory in the IOL cart is always complete and accurate.Further, since the IOL cart may be present in the operating room, a usermay have immediate access to a large population of IOLs to, when needed,quickly substitute an IOL that is different than the one identified inthe pre-operative surgical plan.

In addition to providing up-to-date inventory benefits, the IOL cart mayalso provide the inventory information to a user, such as a healthcareprovider, during a cataract surgery and identify the specific locationof the IOL within the IOL cart for quick access the user. For example,if a planned lens power changes as a result of an intraoperativeevaluation, the IOL cart may receive confirmation of the change andindicate to a user the availability of an alternative lens with anindicator identifying the particular IOL within the IOL cart. The IOLcart may also recommend and/or identify a closest matching lens in theevent that the requested or alternative lens is not available. In someimplementations, this information may also include the availability ofthe lens selection, the lens catalog power family value, or its actualpower as indicated on the lens package. In some implementations, thisidentifying information may be provided either by way of a twodimensional barcode or an RFID tag on or in the IOL packaging.

For lens inventory management, the IOL cart may communicate with othersystems making up a part of the surgical system. In someimplementations, the IOL cart may provide a user with an overview ofconsignment lens inventory, and during preoperative assessment, mayindicate to the user whether the planned lens (i.e., the lens identifiedduring the preoperative planning stage) and the nearest neighbor lensexist in inventory or need to be ordered.

A number of benefits may be achieved using the IOL cart of the surgicalsystem disclosed herein. For example, the IOL cart may enable users tomore efficiently plan and execute cataract surgeries by linking IOLinventory to the planning and intraoperative evaluation process. In someimplementations, users, such as healthcare professionals, may benefitfrom the knowledge and confidence that both the planned and alternativelenses exist in consignment or are placed on order to support theprocedure date. Still, additional implementations may optimize patientoutcomes by indicating actual lens power instead of only generic labeledpower both in the preoperative planning phase as well as duringintraoperative evaluation.

FIG. 1 shows systems that collectively make up a surgical suite 100 ofsurgical systems. The surgical suite 100 may be arranged to perform asurgical procedure, such as, for example and without limitation, acataract surgical procedure. In this exemplary implementation, thesurgical suite 100 includes a phacoemulsification system 102 and an IOLcart 104. Other implementations may include additional surgical systemsthat may make up part of the surgical suite 100. For example, someimplementations may include an ophthalmic microscope, an image guidedsystem, a laser treatment system, or other system that may add utilityand functionality to the capabilities of the surgical suite 100. Yetother surgical systems are contemplated and may make up one or moresystems of the surgical suite 100.

The phacoemulsification system 102 may be arranged and configured topermit a user, such as an ophthalmic surgeon, to perform aphacoemulsification procedure as a part of a cataract surgical procedureor an IOL replacement procedure. In this implementation, thephacoemulsification system 102 includes a base housing 106 with acomputer unit 108 and an associated display screen 110 configured toshow data relating to system operation and performance during use. Thephacoemulsification system 102 also includes a number of subsystems thatmay be used together to perform the surgical procedures. For example,some subsystems of the phacoemulsification system 102 may include,without limitation, a foot pedal subsystem 112 including, for example, afoot pedal 114, a fluidics subsystem 116 including an irrigation sourceand a flow control vacuum pump that irrigates and aspirates the eyethrough flexible tubing, an ultrasonic generator subsystem 118 includingan ultrasonic oscillation hand piece 120 with a cutting needle. Thesesubsystems may overlap and may cooperate to perform various aspects ofthe surgical procedure. For example, in some embodiments, an end of anaspiration line of the flexible tubing is associated with the cuttingneedle of the hand piece 120 to provide irrigation and cooling duringthe surgical procedure. The phacoemulsification system 102 may be usedduring a surgical procedure to emulsify and remove a natural lens inpreparation for a replacement IOL or may be used during a revisionsurgery when replacing or changing a previously implanted IOL.

The IOL cart 104 may be arranged to provide simple access to IOLinventory during a cataract surgical procedure. The IOL cart 104 mayprovide a central storage location for IOLs and may actively trackinventory and availability of IOLs. In some instances, the IOL cart 104with its inventory contained therein, may be transported to or disposedwithin the surgical room. This may provide easy access to the inventorywhen an intraoperative evaluation requires a different IOL than the oneidentified during the pre-surgical evaluation.

Conventionally, IOLs are packaged and marked with a power representing afamily diopter power. As used herein, a family power refers to a rangeof powers falling within traditional designations for IOL lenses. Forexample, one family power is a 19.5 diopter power. A different familypower is a 20 diopter power. Conventionally, family powers are trackedin increments of ranges within 0.5 diopters of a half number.Accordingly, any IOL lens falling within a wide range of 0.5 may bedesignated within a particular family. Because of the wide range, IOLlenses within a particular family may have diopter powers that varyslightly from one another within the range of the family. The IOL cart104 may be capable of tracking the diopter power of each IOL and oftracking each IOL package with greater precision than has been done inthe past. For example, the IOL cart 104 may track individual lenses inaddition to or in place of tracking the family of lenses by diopterpower. Accordingly, the IOL cart 104 may be configured to track theactual lens power of each IOL stored therein. This will become moreapparent in the discussion that follows.

The IOL cart 104 includes a base housing 132 and a computer unit 134with a display screen 136. The base housing 132 may be formed as alocker, and may include doors 138 that open and close to accessinventory contained therein. In this implementation, the doors 138 havewindows therein enabling a user to see shelves 142 inside the basehousing 132. Other implementations may have solid doors or other typesof doors. In this implementation, the base housing 132 includes casters140 that enable the IOL cart 104 to be moved into and out of a surgicalroom or to and from other locations as desired.

The computer unit 134 may be used to track inventory within the IOL cart104. In some implementations, the computer unit 134 dynamically tracksIOL inventory each time the IOL cart 104 is accessed by a user. Inaddition to tracking inventory, the computer unit 134 may communicatewith other components of the surgical suite 100. For example, thecomputer unit 134 may communicate with the computer unit 108 on thephacoemulsification system 102. For example, the computer unit 134 maydisplay inventory information on the phacoemulsification system'sdisplay screen 110 so that the user may have information relating toinventory while using other components of the surgical suite 100. It mayshow the same or different information on its own display screen 136. Inother implementations, the computer unit 134 may convey data or otherinformation to, for example, a surgical microscope. In suchimplementations, inventory information may be projected onto the viewedimage within the microscope so that a user may visualize inventorywithout looking away from the microscope. It may communicate with orconvey information to any surgical system of the surgical suite 100.

Additional details of the IOL cart 104 are described with reference toFIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the IOL cart 104 with the doors 138 open and with ashelf 142 pulled outward to show its contents. In some implementations,the shelf 142 may be formed as a drawer, having sides that protectaccess and partially enclose the shelf contents. The shelf 142 may slideinto and out of the base housing 132 in the same manner that a drawermay be opened and closed. As can be seen, the shelf 142 is formed with aseries of rows 150 that may contain a plurality of IOL packages 151. Inthis implementation, the shelf 142 includes a plurality of walls orseparators 152 that separate one row 150 from another. The separators152 may be spaced any distance apart in order to accommodate standardIOL package sizes.

In the exemplary implementation shown, the separators 152 include visualindicators 154 arranged to align with individual IOL packages 151 in therows 150. Some implementations include a visual indicator 154 adjacenteach individual location that may receive an IOL package 151. The visualindicators 154 may indicate to a user or may identify a specific IOLpackage. This may help a user locate a specific, desired IOL package tobe used during a surgical procedure from among all the IOL packages.Because a desired IOL package 151 may be identified by the visualindicator 154, the user may identify the desired IOL package quickly andwith high-efficiency.

In the example shown, the separators 152 include the visual indicators154. As shown in FIG. 2, the visual indicators 154 are disposed along atop surface of the separators 152. Here, the visual indicators 154 are aseries of LED lights that illuminate to identify a desired IOL packageamong all the IOL packages in the shelf 142. Accordingly, by merelyopening the shelf 142, a user may identify a desired IOL package withouthaving to identify and read printing on the IOL package. The visualindicators 154 may operate under the direction of the computer unit 134.Depending on the implementation, the visual indicators 154 may beilluminated to identify a desired IOL package, or may use colored LEDlights or other types of indicators to identify a desired IOL package.

Conventionally, surgical staff may be required to potentially flipthrough or manually look at multiple IOL packages to identify a specificdesired IOL package. In so doing, IOL packages may become out of orderor may become disorganized. Further, because conventional methodsrequire surgical staff to potentially handle multiple IOL packages,inventory tracking may become more challenging and the potential formisplacement can be relatively high.

The IOL cart 104 is configured to keep a running up-to-date inventorylist of IOL packages contained therein. In this implementation, itupdates its inventory each time the shelf 142 is opened or closed. Thisis facilitated by a series of sensors 156 disposed along a frame supportstructure 158. The support structure 158 may be a part of the basehousing 132 or may be a separate support. The sensors 156 may bedisposed on an exterior of the support structure 158 in sight of a user,or may be disposed so as to be hidden from a user. The sensors 156 aredisposed and configured to read the IOL packages 151 as the IOL packagesmove past the sensors 156. In some implementations, the sensors 156 arevisual scanners or barcode readers that may be formed from light andphoto sensors. In some of these implementations, each IOL package 151includes a barcode on an edge or side that may be read by the sensors156 when the shelf 142 is opened or closed. In other implementations,the visual scanners may identify or recognize other information on theIOL package 151. This may include systems that detect actual numbers,letters, or other information representing the contents of the IOLpackage 151. In yet other implementations, the sensors 156 are RFIDsensors. In such implementations, each IOL package 151 includes an RFIDchip that may be detected by the RFID sensors when the shelf 142 isopened or closed. The barcode or the RFID chip may include specificinformation about or unique to the IOL in each IOL package 151. Forexample, among other things, it may include actual IOL powerinformation. Based on the detected IOL packages 151, the computer unit134 may update a running inventory identifying not only the contentswithin the IOL cart 104, but also the exact location of all theindividual IOL packages 151 in each shelf 142. Accordingly, each timethe IOL cart 104 is accessed by a user, the inventory is tracked andupdated. In some implementations, the inventory is tracked each time theshelf 142 is closed.

In the implementation shown, one or more sensors 156 are disposed aboveeach row 150. In other implementations, one or more sensors 156 made bedisposed at other locations that enable the IOL packages 151 to beobserved and scanned. Some implementations include software capabilitythat detects how far the shelf 142 is pulled from the base housing 132,and whether additional IOL packages 151 are within the rows 150 but didnot physically pass by the sensors 156 because the shelf was not pulledall the way out. Some implementations include sensors 156 disposed alonga front edge of a support structure 158 alignable with a front edge ofthe shelf 142 and may include additional sensors 156 disposed furtherinside the base housing 132 to detect IOL packages even when the shelf142 is not fully pulled out and pushed back into the base housing 132.Other implementations include scanners on movable mechanisms thatdisplace the scanners relative to the IOL packages 151 within the IOLcart 104.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary IOL package 151 that may be placed within anyof the rows 150. As shown, the IOL package 151 includes a barcode 160.The barcode 160 includes data or representative information about thespecific IOL within the IOL package 151. This may include informationsuch as a lens power family value as well as specific informationrelating to the actual lens power of the IOL within the IOL package 151.Accordingly, the IOL package 151 may be marked with specific informationrelating to the IOL in even greater detail then the IOL lens powerfamily value. For example, if the IOL cart 104 were to include twentyIOL packages 151 all falling within the lens power family value of 19.5,the barcode 160 may include additional information that distinguisheseach of the twenty IOL lenses from one another. Accordingly, the barcode160 may enable each specific lens to be individually tracked by itsactual lens power. This may benefit patients by allowing users toidentify the IOL lens having a power closest to the lens power thatwould most benefit a specific patient. In alternative implementations,in place of the barcode 160, the IOL package 151 includes an RFID chip.The chip may include any information that may be conveyed by the barcodesensor discussed above. In yet other implementations, visual scannersmay sense, scan or detect other identifying information on the IOLpackage, including detecting actual printed numbers or letters on theIOL package. Other sensing and detecting methods and systems are alsocontemplated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a portion of the surgical suite 100.It includes the electrical components disposed about the base housing132 and the computer unit 134 of the IOL cart 104. As can be seen, thecomputer unit 134 is also in communication with an input mechanism 305,in communication with other surgical systems such as thephacoemulsification system 102, and in communication with networks suchas the Internet 302. The computer unit 134 also communicates with thedisplay screen 136. Information relating to the base housing 132, thecomputer unit 134, or any of the inventory contained within the IOL cart104, may be displayed on the display screen 136 to a user. The basehousing 132 includes the sensors 156 and the visual indicators 154.These operate under the control and direction of the computer unit 134.As such, information relating to IOL packaging that is scanned by thesensors 156 may be communicated from the sensors to the computer unit134 for processing. The information detected by the sensors 156 mayinclude specific information about the IOL in the IOL package 151, butalso may include the location of the IOL package within the base housing132. More specifically, the sensors 156 may detect the location of theIOL packages 151 on a specific shelf and within a specific row 150 andat a specific location within the row 150. Likewise, in response to arequest by a user, the computer unit 134 may identify a specific IOLpackage for use by controlling the visual indicators 154. That is, whena desired IOL package is identified, the computer unit 134 may activatethe indicator 154 adjacent that desired IOL package. Someimplementations include a visual indicator for each shelf in the IOLcart 104. Accordingly, a user may observe the visual indicator for thespecific shelf, and then may open the shelf to see the visual indicatorfor the specific IOL package.

The input mechanism 305 is configured to receive input instruction froma user, such as a clinician, surgeon, or other healthcare provider, thatmay be used to operate the IOL cart, request a lens, or perform otherfunctionality as desired. The input mechanism 305 may be incorporatedinto the computer unit 134 and may include, for example, a touch screendevice responsive to selections made directly on the screen, a standardcomputer keyboard, a standard pointing device, such as a mouse ortrackball, buttons, knobs, or other input devices. Using the inputdevices, a clinician, surgeon, or other user may make selections ofspecific IOLs or perform other functions.

The computer unit 134 is configured and arranged to identify and trackeach IOL package based on information from the sensors 156. It may storeinformation relating to each IOL package in an inventory database thatmay be accessed when an IOL package is desired for a particular patient.With reference to FIG. 3, the computer unit 134 includes one or moreprocessors 304, a memory 306, and a communication module 308.

The one or more processors 304 may include, for example and withoutlimitation, one or more integrated circuits with power, input, andoutput pins capable of performing logic functions. In some embodiments,the processor 304 is in communication with the sensors 156 and thevisual indicators 154. The processor 304 may receive data or informationfrom the sensors 156, may process the received data or information, andmay rely upon it to identify and recommend a specific IOL package to auser. In various implementations, the processor 304 is a targeted devicecontroller. In such implementations, the processor 304 is incommunication with and performs specific control functions targeted tothe sensors 156 and visual indicators 154. In some implementations, theprocessor 304 is a microprocessor. In some such cases, the processor 304is programmable so that it can function to control more than onecomponent of the IOL cart 104. In other cases, the processor 304 is nota programmable microprocessor, but instead is a special purposecontroller configured to control different components that performdifferent functions.

The memory 306 may include various types of memory including volatilememory (such as Random Access Memory (RAM), FRAM, or NAND flash memory)and non-volatile memory (such as solid state storage). The memory 306interfaces with the processor 304. As such, the processor 304 may writeto and read from the memory 306. The memory 306 may store computerreadable instructions that include one or more executable programs thatwhen executed by the processor 304, cause the computer unit 134 toperform various functions, including controlling the sensors 156 andactuating specific visual indicators 154 as described herein. The memory306 may also include executable programs for automatically recognizingwhen inventory of a particular lens type is low, and automaticallyplacing orders with a distributor or manufacturer of the particular lenstype to replenish the inventory.

In this implementation, the memory 306 includes an inventory database310. The inventory database 310 may include information that is obtainedfrom the sensors 156. In some instances, the inventory database 310 mayinclude information relating to each specific IOL contained within theIOL cart 104. The memory 306 may be updated each time the inventory inthe IOL cart 104 changes. In some implementations, the inventorydatabase 310 is updated with IOL information each time a shelf 142 (FIG.2) is opened or closed. Some implementations update the inventorydatabase 310 only after a shelf is closed. As such, the inventorydatabase 310 may receive information from the processor 304 that isobtained by the sensors 156.

In some implementations, the IOL inventory database 310 may be accessedby a user during a surgical planning phase. Accordingly, based on thepreoperative planning, a user may identify a specific IOL for use with aspecific patient. The computer unit 134 may be configured to reserve thespecific IOL for the specific patient. As such, the specific IOL may belisted as unavailable to other users for other surgeries.

In some implementations, the computer unit 134 may assist the user withpreoperative planning by providing an overview of IOL inventory. Duringthe preoperative planning, the computer unit 134 may indicate to theuser whether desired IOLs that meet the user's requirements are presentin the IOL cart 104. If a desired IOL is present in the IOL cart 104,the IOL cart 104 may permit the user to reserve the IOL for theparticular patient. However, if a desired IOL is not present in the IOLcart 104, the IOL cart 104 may assist the user in taking a number ofactions. For example, the computer unit 134 may assist the user inplacing an order for the desired IOL. In another example, the computerunit 134 may search the IOLs in inventory and identify the IOL havingparameters closest to those of the desired IOL. The user may then decidewhether to order an IOL or whether to reserve the next closest IOL forthe particular patient. Accordingly, the IOL cart 104 may assist theuser in preoperative planning as well as during execution of a surgicaltreatment procedure.

In some implementations the inventory database 310 is a part of the IOLcart 104. However, in other implementations the inventory database 310is stored separately and apart from the IOL cart 104. For example, theinventory database may be a central database located remote from the IOLcart 104. It may, in some instances, include IOL inventory for multipleIOL carts.

The communication module 308 may enable the computer unit 134 tocommunicate either directly or via a network with other systems. Thesesystems may include surgical systems that make up the surgical suite 100(FIG. 1) and may include the phacoemulsification system 102. The systemsalso may include inventory tracking systems or automated purchasingsystems that may simplify the purchase or reservation of additional IOLswhen needed. In some implementations, the communication module 308 maytransmit inventory information or specific IOL information to thephacoemulsification system 102 display to a user. In so doing, a userperforming a procedure with the phacoemulsification system 102 may beable to view information displayed on the phacoemulsification system 102that relates to the IOL cart 104. This information may include specificlens information including information relating to available lenses andinformation relating to the lens that is closest to the exact lensdesired for a particular patient based on intraoperative evaluation. Byproviding specific lens information and/or IOL cart information on thephacoemulsification system 102, a user may be able to more efficientlyand effectively carry out a surgical procedure.

Likewise, as indicated above, the communication module 308 may enableusers to order additional inventory from a manufacturer. In someimplementations, the communication module may directly connect thecomputer unit 134 to an ordering system specifically set up to interfacewith the IOL cart 104. In some implementations, the IOL cart 104 mayautomatically place or submit orders with the manufacturer for specificlens types whenever inventory falls below a pre-established threshold.The communication module 308 may communicate with any number of systemsand perform any of number of functions over the Internet 302 or othernetworks. In some implementations, the communication module 308 of thecomputer unit 134 is configured to communicate wirelessly, while inother implementations the communication module 308 is configured tocommunicate only via wired connection.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method 400 for tracking or maintaining IOLinventory in an IOL cart, such as the IOL cart 104. The method 400begins at a step 402 of receiving a signal from a sensor identifying aspecific IOL package and its location in the IOL cart. The signalreceived from the sensor may include information relating to the powerof each identified IOL. It may include, for example, the family power ofthe IOL, and may also include the specific or actual power of each IOLlens. It may also include location information for the identified IOL,such as the shelf, row, and location in the row.

The signal may be generated by the sensor in response to identifying thepresence of the IOL package. In some implementations herein, the sensormay be activated whenever a shelf is opened or closed on the IOL cart.The sensor may be fixed on the IOL cart while the shelves move in andout past the fixed sensor. As the shelf closes, the sensor may identifyall the IOL packages that pass it. In some implementations, each IOLpackage includes a barcode that is scanned by a barcode reader as itpasses the fixed sensor. The signal received from the sensor alsoincludes information about the IOL and location information in the shelffor the IOL. This may include information relating to a specific shelf,row, and location within the row for each IOL package. In otherimplementations, each IOL package includes an RFID chip that is scannedby an RFID reader as it passes the fixed sensor. In otherimplementations, the sensor is configured to automatically recognizeother symbols or identifying information on the IOL package.

At 404, the received information relating to the specific IOL and thelocation of the IOL is stored in memory. In some implementations, theinformation is stored in an inventory database. The stored informationmay include information about specific IOLs as identified by thesensors, and may also include general information relating to IOLs andthe IOL inventory generally. For example, the inventory database mayinclude information relating to the actual power of each IOL, but mayalso include family power for groups of IOLs. In some implementations,the IOL inventory may include information relating to the number of IOLsin inventory that fall within a particular family power range. Forexample, in some implementations the IOL inventory may indicate to auser that there are, for example only, five IOLs within the power rangeof 19.5. In other implementations, the IOL inventory may indicate to auser the specific, actual powers of each IOL lens with a much greaterspecificity than the family power.

At 408, the computer unit may receive a request from a user thatincludes information relating to a desired IOL. In some instances, theinformation may come as a result of a preoperative assessment of thepatient. In the surgical planning phase, a user may desire to know thepowers of IOLs currently in inventory. As indicated herein, in someimplementations, these may be reserved for use for a particular patient.This may be done using the input mechanism to select and reserve aspecific IOL from the IOL inventory.

In other instances the computer unit may receive a request from a userperforming an intraoperative assessment. This may occur when, during theintraoperative measurements, the user realizes that the best IOL for thepatient undergoing surgery is different than the planned IOL. In such asituation, the user may input a request to the IOL cart for an IOLhaving a specific power.

In response to the request from the user, at 410 the computer systemanalyzes the stored information in the inventory database to identify anIOL having a power or other parameters consistent with the request. Thecomputer system may compare the requested IOL to each IOL in the IOLcart. In some implementations, the computer system may compare therequested IOL to IOLs in other IOL carts within the same facility. Whena matching IOL is found in the IOL cart, the computer system may informthe user using the display screen.

If none of the IOLs in inventory has parameters consistent with thoserequested, then the computer system identifies the IOL with the closestparameters to those requested. The parameters, including the familypower and the actual power of the IOL may be displayed to a user forselection. In some implementations, multiple IOLs may be identified anddisplayed to a user with a recommendation of one IOL over the others.The user may then select the recommended IOL or a different IOLdepending upon the user's preference. With the IOL selected from theinventory, whether automatically by the computer system or by a userinput at the computer system, the system may indicate to the user thatthe IOL may be accessed and removed from the IOL cart. In someimplementations, the computer system may indicate the IOL location byshelf, row, and location within the row.

At 414, the computer system detects when the IOL inventory is accessedby a user. The computer system may do this using the sensors 156 and orother sensors disposed about the IOL cart. In some implementations, thecomputer system detects access by a user by monitoring whether a shelfis being displaced. For example, when the shelf is displaced relative tothe sensors, signals from the sensors may indicate to the computersystem that the IOL inventory is being accessed.

At 416, the computer system may actuate a visual indicator adjacent theselected IOL in the IOL cart. This may include actuating an LED lightadjacent the IOL package containing the desired IOL. Accordingly, a usermay easily identify the correct IOL for the patient by simply openingthe shelf and looking at the visual indicator. Although described as alight, other visual indicators may be used. For example, mechanicalsystems may be used to present the selected IOL to the user. This mayinclude dispensing the IOL package or otherwise physically displacingthe package from other IOL packages in the IOL cart. Someimplementations include visual indicators that identify the shelf aswell as the row and location in the row.

At 418 the computer system may actuate the sensors to detect the IOLinventory because it may have changed when the shelf was accessed.Sensor actuation may automatically occur any time the shelf isdisplaced. In some implementations, sensor actuation occurs only whenthe shelf is being returned to its storage position which may be a fullypushed in position. As such, the shelf may be monitored for movement andthe sensors may be activated when movement is detected. In otherimplementations, the sensors are always on. Other triggers foractivating automatic scanning of the inventory are also contemplated.With the sensors actuated, the IOL cart is in condition to detect eachIOL package contained within the shelf of the IOL cart. As such, as theshelf is pushed into the cart, the IOL packages within the shelf movepast the sensors. The sensors may detect the IOL packages as they movepast, and may send signals representing information from the IOLpackages to the processor and inventory database. In someimplementations, the sensors are barcode scanners and each IOL packageincludes a barcode that represents information relating to the IOL. Inother implementations, the sensors are RFID sensors and each IOL packageincludes an RFID chip that includes information relating to the IOL. Inyet other implementations, the sensors are configured to automaticallyrecognize other symbols or identifying information on the IOL package.For example, the information may include the family power for the IOLand may also include the actual power of the IOL. Other information mayalso be included such as date of manufacture, brand, type, dimensionalinformation, and other IOL parameter information.

At 420, the processor of the computer system updates the inventorydatabase to include the information obtained from the scanners.Accordingly, the inventory database includes accurate informationrelating to the IOL inventory. In the exemplary implementationdescribed, each time the inventory is accessed by a user, the inventorydatabase is updated. In some instances, a user may remove multiple IOLpackages from the IOL cart. When the shelf is pushed in, the IOLinventory database will be updated to accurately reflect the IOLpackages within the cart. As such, the inventory database maintains arelatively dynamic and accurate assessment of IOL packages within theIOL cart. Furthermore, if a user were to mistakenly remove the wrong IOLpackage, the inventory database is accurately updated to reflect onlythe IOLs remaining within the IOL cart. In some implementations,however, the computer system is configured to display a visual indicatoron the computer system display screen if an IOL is removed from the IOLcart that was not selected by the user. This may help ensure that theuser has removed the correct IOL from the cart and reduce the risk ofthe user implanting an undesirable IOL.

While the IOL cart has been described as cooperating with other surgicalsystems in a surgical suite system, such as the phacoemulsificationsystem, yet other devices may cooperate with the IOL cart. For example,in some implementations, the IOL cart may cooperate with systems forintraoperative modification of lens design or lens manufacture. Forexample, some implementations may enable the IOL cart to communicatedirectly with a laser system that may modify lenses to a desired powerintraoperatively for implantation in the patient. In such instances, thelenses may be formed from a blank or solid lens material based onparameters and values input into the IOL cart system. In yet otherimplementations, the IOL cart may cooperate with a 3-D printer arrangedand configured to generate an implantable lens based purely on the lensparameters input and desired at the IOL cart. As such, the IOL cart maybecome an integral component in lens selection and modification becauseit has data prior to surgery from preoperative planning as well as datadirectly from the intraoperative evaluation results necessary for thecreation of the custom IOL.

Accordingly the IOL cart may organize IOL power selection and generateplanning and operating room efficiencies by connecting surgical planningand execution with IOL access.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theimplementations encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited tothe particular exemplary implementations described above. In thatregard, although illustrative implementations have been shown anddescribed, a wide range of modification, change, combination, andsubstitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It isunderstood that such variations may be made to the foregoing withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An intraocular lens (IOL) cart comprising: a base housing configured to receive a plurality of IOL packages, the base housing being configured to detect a presence of individual IOL packages; and a computer unit associated with the base housing and configured to receive and store information from the base housing indicative of the presence of individual IOL packages disposed within the base housing, the computer unit being configured to provide information relating to one or more of the individual IOL packages to a user.
 2. The IOL cart of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect information relating to individual IOL packages.
 3. The IOL cart of claim 2, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one of a visual detection method, a barcode scanner, and an RFID scanner.
 4. The IOL cart of claim 2, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed in a position to scan IOL packages as they are introduced to the base housing.
 5. The IOL cart of claim 1, further comprising a movable shelf arranged to carry the plurality of IOL packages, the one or more sensors being positioned above the moveable shelf to detect the IOL packages while the shelf is being closed.
 6. The IOL cart of claim 1, comprising a plurality of visual indicators actuatable by the computer unit to identify a selected IOL package in the base housing.
 7. The IOL cart of claim 1, wherein the base housing comprises a shelf divided into rows sized and arranged to receive individual IOL packages.
 8. The IOL cart of claim 7, wherein the shelf comprises a plurality of separators that divide the shelf into the rows, each separator having one or more visual indicators usable to identify an IOL package disposed thereon.
 9. The IOL cart of claim 8, wherein the visual indicators are LED lights.
 10. The IOL cart of claim 1, wherein the computer unit comprises an inventory database configured to store IOL power information and location information within the base housing for each individual IOL package.
 11. An intraocular lens (IOL) package inventory system comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to read information relating to a product in a product package and detect its storage location; and a computer unit in communication with the plurality of sensors, the computer unit being configured to store information relating to each product and its location in a database, the computer unit being arranged to identify a specific product package in response to an input identifying desired parameters of the product.
 12. The IOL package inventory system of claim 11, wherein the product is an intraocular lens, and wherein the product package is an intraocular lens package.
 13. The IOL package inventory system of claim 12, further comprising an IOL cart having a plurality of storage locations for individual IOL product packages, the plurality of sensors being disposed on the IOL cart to detect a storage location of an IOL product package in the IOL cart.
 14. The IOL package inventory system of claim 11, wherein the computer unit is configured to receive input from a user to reserve a specific product package.
 15. The IOL package inventory system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sensors comprise at least one of: visual scanners, RFID sensors, and barcode scanners.
 16. The IOL package inventory system of claim 11, wherein the computer unit is configured to send an actuating signal to an indicator adjacent a storage location for a desired product package.
 17. A method of tracking inventory, comprising: storing information relating to an intraocular lens (IOL) and a location of an IOL package in an IOL cart; receiving a request from a user relating to a desired IOL; comparing the stored information to the received request to identify an IOL in the inventory most closely matching the desired IOL; and actuating a visual indicator adjacent the identified IOL.
 18. The method of tracking inventory of claim 17, comprising receiving a signal from a sensor identifying a specific IOL package in an IOL cart.
 19. The method of tracking inventory of claim 17, comprising sensing IOL packages present on a shelf while the shelf is being closed.
 20. The method of tracking inventory of claim 19, comprising updating an inventory database with information relating to the sensed IOL packages. 